Entrusted

James and John sent their mother to request a favor from Jesus. She asked that when he established his kingdom, her two sons be given a special place of power and position. Once the other disciples learned of this query, they were “indignant.” Peter must have been particularly irritated. Along with James and John, he made up Jesus’ inner circle. But as always, Jesus turned the situation into an important teaching moment.

Peter wrote his first letter from Rome in late AD 64/early AD 65 during intense persecution. The mistreatment normally started in the larger cities and then spread throughout the countryside. Peter wrote to believers in what is today Northern Turkey. He wrote to warn and prepare them for the undoubtedly tough times ahead. Peter explained that Jesus was the example of how to respond to suffering.